Here at ISU, we talk a lot about the importance of continuing education, the joy of learning, and life-long learning.
But, let’s face it, sometimes learning is hard...and
not
fun.
For instance, many years ago, I learned a lot from a committee I was asked to lead. The charge of the committee was to determine which cable TV company the university should sign a contract with. The contract needed to cover cable TV (what channels would be offered; if premium channels would be a part of the package; and how many “drops” we would have in the residence halls and academic buildings for TVs) and internet for all faculty, staff, and students. After the first meeting, I realized how much I didn’t know, so I went to speak with my supervisor, Bob. After listening to me talk for 10 minutes about how uncomfortable I was in the meeting, that I didn’t know anything about how cable TV or the internet worked, and that I wasn’t enjoying the “opportunity” he had given me, Bob gave me some advice I continue to use. He very quietly and respectfully said, “Lyn, if you don’t understand the information and you don’t like how it feels, learn it and understand it so you don’t continue to feel that way.”
We are definitely on a learning curve right now in our new COVID normal, so now is a good time to think about who we are as learners. Sometimes we’re eager. Sometimes we’re a little slow to grasp the lesson, and sometimes we’re just plain reluctant--a state of mind that expresses itself in a number of ways.
“I like my old phone.”
“I prefer the old system.”
“Why can’t we do things the way we did them before?”
“I don’t have
time
for this right now.”
“Do I
have
to learn this?
Seriously?
I don’t see any point in it!”
Our students can have the same experience we do, but what do we tell them? What do we say to them, for example, to help them understand why they are taking General Education courses when they could just focus on that one thing they feel comfortable doing?
“Everything you learn can be used to make you a more versatile, adaptable thinker and professional.”
“Learning outside your major or area of expertise will enrich your understanding of the people and organizations you’ll be collaborating with throughout your professional lives.”
“Dipping into other areas of knowledge will help you test your interest and the “fit” of the major you’ve selected.”
“Most adults change careers at least six times--sometimes because they want a change; sometimes because
life
changes. You want to be adaptable and resilient.”
“Sometimes a general education can give you the opportunity to simply
enjoy
something you are learning without making it ‘work’ toward something else.”
Aisha Ahmad shared a perspective on adapting during COVID in
The Chronicle of Higher Education
this week that illuminates the possibilities:
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Rather than cling to illusions of normalcy and control, let the alternate universe teach you all-new ways to be and do. The world is different. So let’s be different, too. For this strange period in our lives, we have the opportunity to learn entirely new approaches to productivity, knowledge, connection, community, and happiness. There is a new space opening up between the walls and restrictions of this pandemic. Approach this new space as a visiting student, learning the ropes. Try to embrace this opportunity with curiosity and willingness.
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We are on the COVID-19 learning curve. We have a great institution with a staff committed to our students. We are working hard to help them emerge from this time as even more adaptable, resilient, and committed learners. Please partner with us in helping our students embrace this time to learn!
Wishing you and yours well,
Lyn Redington
Vice President of Student Affairs
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Dear Bengals,
In a world where COVID-19 has taken center stage, your health, safety, and success remains the focus of Idaho State University. While we are anxious to return to normal, we will do so following guidance and recommendations from our public health officials and our state leaders.
The COVID-19 impact has been felt everywhere, and to help mitigate the effect on your academic experience, the Department of Education has allocated funding to directly support you. Known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the funding will be provided to help you cover costs incurred from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Making sure our students with the greatest need receive assistance is a priority for Idaho State. Our goal is to provide access to funds that are intended to help you with expenses, including course materials, distance-based technology, food, housing, health care, and childcare. Idaho State’s model for distribution is outlined below and will be primarily distributed based on the Expected Family Contribution calculated for each student on their completed 2019-20 FAFSA. Students who did not complete a FAFSA are not included in Idaho State’s distribution plan. However,
emergency funds
are available through the Dean of Students.
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Spring 2020
Disbursed: May 6
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Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 and enrolled full time
EFC of $0 and enrolled less than full time
EFC of $1 to $2,500 and enrolled full time
EFC of $1 to $2,500 and enrolled less than full time
EFC of $2,501 to $5,576 and enrolled full time
EFC of $2,501 to $5,576 and enrolled less than full time
EFC of $5,577 to $15,000 enrolled full time
EFC of $5,577 to $15,000 enrolled less than full time
All other enrolled students with a completed FAFSA
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$550
$275
$450
$225
$350
$175
$250
$150
$110
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Summer 2020
Disbursed: June 15
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Students who received a Spring 2020 disbursement and are enrolled in summer courses
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Fall 2020
Disbursed: September 15
This is for students who received a disbursement in Spring 2020 and are enrolled in Fall 2020.
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Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 and enrolled full time
EFC of $0 and enrolled less than full time
EFC of $1 to $2,500 and enrolled full time
EFC of $1 to $2,500 and enrolled less than full time
EFC of $2,501 to $5,576 and enrolled full time
EFC of $2,501 to $5,576 and enrolled less than full time
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$500
$250
$400
$200
$300
$150
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The University will start to distribute Spring 2020 assistance on
Wednesday, May 6
. Please note that you will need to sign up for Idaho State’s e-refund (direct deposit), if you have not already. Students who do not sign up for e-refund will be mailed a paper check to the permanent address on file, which will take additional time due to mail delay.
To sign up for e-refund, please follow the steps below:
- Log into BengalWeb
- Select Student Finances
- Scroll down to Online Fee Payment and select Enroll in eRefund
- This step will prompt you to Proceed to TouchNet
- Select Electronic Refunds under My Profile Setup
You will need your bank account number and the routing number for your financial institution.
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U.S. Department of Education CARES Act Guidance
Only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), may receive emergency financial aid grants. Additionally, the Department of Education has told institutions that those students who were enrolled exclusively online on March 13, 2020, the date of the President's "National Emergency" Proclamation, are not eligible for emergency CARES Act grants.
Idaho State is distributing CARES Act Grants to students enrolled for Spring 2020 (cannot be withdrawn) with valid FAFSAs received and processed at ISU and must be fully eligible for federal student aid (enrolled Spring 2020 as a degree-seeking student in an aid-eligible program, U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, in good Satisfactory Academic Progress status, all requested verification documents submitted, not in default on federal student loans, and must not owe an overpayment of Title IV aid) as of the date of the CARES Act grant distribution. ISU also opted to exclude students who paid discounted tuition for the Spring 2020 semester.
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If you have questions about your e-refund, please call the Idaho State Cashier's Office at (208) 282-2900. For questions
related to FAFSA or your disbursement amount, contact Financial Aid at (208) 282-2756 or email
finaidem@isu.edu
.
Roar, Bengals, Roar!
Idaho State University
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End of Spring 2020 Classes
May 8, 2020
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Late 8-Week and Full Semester Course Grading Closes
May 12, 2020
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Early-4, Early-6, Early-8 and Full Term Courses Start
May 18, 2020
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